Icom IC-M25 Review — A Compact Handheld VHF for the Grab-Bag
The Icom IC-M25 is a small, floating handheld VHF that keeps the controls and charging setup simple. Its strongest role is as a grab-bag backup or short-range boat-to-boat tool, not as a replacement for a properly installed fixed-mount radio.
By Sebastian · Published August 3, 2026 Research synthesis
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The right job for a handheld VHF
This is a research-synthesis review based on Icom’s product page and a retailer listing. Because this is safety equipment, we are keeping the claim narrow: the IC-M25 looks like a practical handheld backup. We are not presenting it as a substitute for seamanship, local radio knowledge, or a properly installed primary system.
The IC-M25’s best argument is that it is easy to carry. A small handheld that lives in the console or grab-bag has a better chance of being useful than a larger piece of equipment that stays at home. Icom lists selectable 5 W and 1 W output, USB charging, and an 11-hour battery claim. The retailer listing also describes a float-and-flash feature.
Why the small details matter
Portable radios live or die by routine. USB charging is convenient because it fits the rest of a modern small-boat kit, but convenience only helps if the radio is kept topped up. A float feature is reassuring, but it does not mean the radio should be thrown into the water as a test or stored without checking its condition.
The IC-M25 makes the most sense alongside a fixed-mount VHF, not instead of one. The handheld gives you portability and a second option if the helm loses power or the crew needs to move away from the console. The fixed unit generally remains the better primary communication tool on a larger boat.
Who should buy it
- Buy it if: you want a compact, chargeable handheld VHF for a backup role, dinghy, dock, or short-range communication.
- Do not rely on it alone if: your boating profile calls for a primary fixed-mount radio and a properly installed antenna.
It is a modest piece of gear with an important job. Keep it charged, keep it reachable, and learn it before the day gets complicated.
Sources checked
This review is based on the sources below and is labeled by review type above. Product pricing and availability can change.
How we scored the Icom IC-M25
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Portability | 9.2 / 10 |
| Backup usefulness | 8.8 / 10 |
| Charging convenience | 8.6 / 10 |
| Primary-radio capability | 7.0 / 10 |
| Value | 8.4 / 10 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
What we liked
- +Compact form factor is easy to keep in a ditch bag or console
- +Product listing says it floats and flashes if dropped in water
- +USB charging is convenient for a small-boat setup
- +Selectable 5 W and 1 W output supports different operating needs
Watch-outs
- –A handheld has less range and endurance than a well-installed fixed-mount system
- –Battery discipline matters; a flat backup radio is not a backup
- –Do not treat marketing features as a substitute for learning local radio procedures
Bottom line
A handheld VHF earns its space when it is charged, accessible, and familiar before anyone needs it. The IC-M25 looks like a practical way to add that layer of redundancy without adding much bulk.
Compared with A fixed-mount VHF radio, it's the pick when budget and forgiveness matter more than every last gram of weight savings.